(Washington, DC) President Clinton announced his intention
today to nominate former Michigan Governor Jim Blanchard to be
the U.S. Ambassador to Canada.

"Our relationship with Canada is absolutely vital," said the
President. "They are our largest trading partner and one of our
closest neighbors. That's why I am nominating an Ambassador in
whom I place such a high degree of trust -- my good friend Jim
Blanchard. With a voice that will be clearly heard in both
Ottawa and Washington, he will ensure that this important
relationship continues to be productive for both countries."

Blanchard, currently a partner in the law firm of Verner,
Liipfert, Bernhard, McPherson and Hand, was Governor of Michigan
from 1983-90. In addition to leading his state's economic
recovery and implementing a variety of innovative education and
training programs, he worked closely with the Prime Minister of
Canada and Premier of Ontario to improve trade relationships and
address common environmental problems. He was awarded the
International Freedom Festival's Freedom Award in recognition of
his leadership in U.S.-Canada affairs.

Before his election to the governorship, Blanchard served
four terms as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. As
Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Economic Stabilization, he
authored and steered to passage the Chrysler Loan Guarantee Act,
which rescued that company from bankruptcy. He had previously
been an Assistant Attorney General in Michigan, and a lawyer in
private practice. He holds a B.A. and M.B.A. from Michigan State
University and a J.D. from the University of Minnesota.

Blanchard, 50, is married to Janet Blanchard, the White
House's Assistant Director of Presidential Personnel. His son,
Jay, is a recent graduate of Michigan State University.